Wisconsin, Florida Elections Stir Drama With Trump and Musk in the Spotlight

MILWAUKEE — Democrats are savoring a surprising victory in Wisconsin, where liberal-leaning Judge Susan Crawford triumphed over conservative Judge Brad Schimel by an estimated 10 percentage points. This high-stakes election, drenched in cash and controversy, secured the liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, paving the way for rulings on hot-button issues like redistricting, voting rights, labor laws, and abortion.

Outside money flooded the state as national Democratic and Republican groups turned this judicial race into a multi-million-dollar referendum on President Donald Trump’s polarizing policies in his second term. Alongside Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally and advisor to the President, stepped into the fray, throwing his fortune and influence behind Schimel.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin claimed the results were a rejection of “the influence of Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and billionaire special interests." Democrats are already spinning the Wisconsin win as a bellwether for the 2026 midterm elections.

Meanwhile, Republicans scored victories in Florida, defending two vacant congressional seats in deep-red districts. Winning by double digits, these successes offered a much-needed cushion for the GOP’s razor-thin House majority. Republican National Committee Chair Mike Whatley declared the wins proof that voters want Trump’s “America First” agenda.

But let’s not ignore the financial frenzy here. Democrats outspent Republicans in the Florida races, channeling millions into campaigns that ultimately fell short by 15 and 14 points. Republicans, naturally, had a field day with this, with one GOP strategist calling the Democratic effort a "$20 million bonfire." Ouch.

Back in Wisconsin, Musk’s involvement added an extra layer of drama. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO poured $20 million into the race and even handed out $1 million checks at a Green Bay rally. Critics, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, framed the election as a rebuke to Musk, Trump, and their controversial Department of Government Efficiency. Crawford herself marveled at her win, saying, “I never could have imagined taking on the richest man in the world for justice in Wisconsin. And we won.”

But while Democrats are basking in the glow of their Wisconsin win, they’ve got some soul-searching to do. National polls paint a grim picture of their favorability, with ratings hovering around historic lows. The party faces mounting frustration from its base over its inability to counter Trump’s agenda effectively.

Republicans, on the other hand, are cautiously optimistic. They note that special elections often provide murky tea leaves for future contests. As one GOP strategist summed it up, these races are “barometers for energy” but also hinge heavily on individual candidates.

In the end, Wisconsin gave Democrats a much-needed jolt, while Florida reinforced the GOP’s grip on Trump turf. Whether these results signal deeper trends for 2026 remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear—both parties are sharpening their strategies for what promises to be a bruising midterm season.